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Trip Style
River Cruise
Accommodation
4.5 - 5 Star
Max. Group Size
24
Guide Level
Fully Guided, Locally Guided
Trip Code
CHGC-1
Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Scenic's 19 Day Grand China. From old timber houses on narrow cobblestone streets to cormorant fishermen using their fascinating techniques, this itinerary is your opportunity to discover a China many modern travellers don’t get to witness first-hand. It’s the China beyond Beijing and Shanghai – a charming wonderland where ancient crafts are still applied in the time-honoured fashion. You’ll get to embrace natural wonders, from rivers that snake through beautiful rolling landscapes to striking limestone outcrops that evoke images of old Oriental water...read more colour paintings. There’s something both strange and familiar about the places you’ll visit, at once thrillingly new and comfortingly recognisable. That is part of their allure, and their wonder.
Itinerary
Begin your amazing discovery of China with a Peking duck welcome dinner. Enjoy a four night stay in Beijing. (D)
Start your tour with a visit to China’s most iconic attraction, the Great Wall at Mutianyu. Freechoice: Spend an unforgettable evening at either the famed Peking Opera or the spectacular Kung Fu Show. (B/L)
Wander through Tiananmen Square and enter the mysterious Forbidden City. Enrich: Visit a private section of the Forbidden City. It was once used as the living quarters of Emperor Qianlong, and this section is not usually open to the general public. Afterwards, enjoy lunch with a local family in a traditional home in the Hutongs before relaxing on a rickshaw ride through the ancient laneways. Freechoice Dining: Choose between mixed Asian at Lost Heaven or Western cuisine at The Exchange. (B/L/D)
Freechoice: Hunt for ingredients at the wet markets for a wonderful interactive cooking class. Alternatively, learn the ancient art of writing Chinese calligraphy or visit the incredible 15th-century Temple of Heaven. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. (B/L)
Explore the Summer Palace and enjoy a cruise on Kunming Lake. Later, fly to Yichang to join your boutique cruise ship, Yangzi Explorer. On board, enjoy included wine and beer with your lunch and dinner. (B/L/D)
Visit the Three Gorges Dam project site. Later, sail through Xiling Gorge while sampling afternoon tea. Tonight, enjoy the Captain’s reception. (B/L/D)
Glide through the dramatic gorges of Shennong Stream by longboat (sampan). Later, traverse Wu Gorge, known for its sheer rock walls, and Qutang Gorge, the most dramatic of the three gorges. (B/L/D)
Join an insightful excursion to Fuling to see the 816 Underground Project. Tonight, mingle at the Taste of China Gala Dinner. Be sure to dress in your finest Chinese outfit. (B/L/D)
Disembark and tour around Chongqing and the ancient town of Ciqikou, known for its porcelain. Experience China’s new high-speed train network on the way to Chengdu and settle in for a two night stay. Freechoice Dining: Dinner is a delicious choice between traditional Sichuan cuisine at Shang Palace, Western ribs and burgers at Mooney’s Irish bar, or international fare at Café Z. (B/L/D)
Enrich: A special day as a member of the Panda Volunteer Training Program. Enjoy an enchanting encounter with rare Giant panda cubs as you help staff at the Dujiangyan Panda Base prepare food to feed and care for them. Wander through the old quarter, visit Jinli Street, one of the oldest commercial streets in China, and the 2nd-century Wuhou Temple. (B/L/D)
Travel on the new High Speed Train to Xi’an and then explore the ancient city wall on foot, by bike or electric buggy. Tonight, enjoy a performance at the Tang Dynasty Cultural Show over dinner. You’ll spend the next two nights at a historically located hotel. (B/L/D)
Enrich: Gaze at Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s amazing Terracotta Warriors in the company of a museum curator, an incredible opportunity to learn first-hand about the restoration process. Later, enjoy a stroll around the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Thanksgiving Temple. Enrich: Be treated to a private after hours viewing of ancient artefacts at a local museum. Savour refreshing drinks and learn about the history of Shaanxi Province from the museum’s curator. Sundowners Continue your refreshments overlooking the Big Wild Goose Pagoda at sunset. (B/L)
Explore the maze of markets in the Muslim Quarter before flying to Guilin. Spend the evening at your elegant hotel in Guilin. (B/D)
Enjoy picturesque vistas as you sail down the idyllic Li River to Yangshuo. Later, stroll around the Old Town before settling back at your luxurious hotel for a two night Special Stay. (B/L)
Venture into the countryside to discover a rural way of life rarely encountered by tourists. Visit Fuli, the hometown of China’s iconic painted paper fans. You’ll even get to meet a master of the art and try your hand at creating your own souvenir. This evening, witness the amazing Impression Liu Sanjie Show. (B/D)
Return to Guilin and fly to cosmopolitan Shanghai. Travel on the high speed Maglev train, then enjoy a three night Special Stay. (B/D)
Stroll along the famous Bund and compare its striking heritage buildings to those in Yu Gardens. Across the Huangpu River, explore the Pudong area and discover modern China. Later, admire the view from Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in Pudong. Tonight, witness the renowned agility and skill of the Shanghai Acrobats. (B/L)
Freechoice: Visit the Shanghai Museum and People’s Square, before exploring the French Concession and Xintiandi pedestrian dining and entertainment area. Alternatively, visit Zhujiajiao, a town with a rich canal life and a wealth of traditional buildings and bridges, or cruise along Huangpu River. Later, spend your free time exploring Nanjing Road, before enjoying your farewell dinner. Sundowners Soak in the view of the Bund and Pudong with farewell drinks from the rooftop bar. (B/D)
It’s the end of a journey you’ll look back on fondly for years. Please note: pre-release itinerary subject to change (B)
Trip Inclusions
Five Star Luxury
With Scenic, perks and privileges come included. Enjoy a full range of luxurious benefits that will enhance your experience throughout your journey. Read more
Scenic Freechoice
These are hand-selected activities for you to choose from and enjoy at a pace that suits you. Read more
Scenic Enrich
These are experiences that offer once-in-a-lifetime multi-sensory moments that are completely inaccessible to the ordinary traveller. Read more
The nth Degree
Whether you’re travelling by road, ship or rail, you can look forward to first class or luxury standard transport with comfort and enjoyment in mind. Read more
Special Stays
Every carefully selected hotel on our tours has been handpicked by our expert Journey Designer to ensure it offers outstanding location and luxury. Read more
Yangtze Cruising
While cruising, you can look forward to private balcony cabins and on board inclusions exclusive to Scenic guests plus a dedicated Scenic Cruise Director.
Brochure
Scenic South East Asia (2023-24)
We invite you to the trip of a lifetime exploring the fascinating Mekong River through Vietnam and Cambodia in 5-star, truly all-inclusive luxury. Scenic Spirit will be your oasis after a day exploring. Indulge in an abundance of luxurious spaces, from your private suite with its own separate bedroom, living room and balcony to a variety of dining,...more wellness and relaxation areas.
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Scenic. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Scenic. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Scenic. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Scenic. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
